CDC to hold briefing on preparations for nuclear war

The CDC's got some handy tips on what to do in the case of a nuclear blast.

The Centers for Disease Control is holding a briefing on Jan. 16 to share what public health programs have done to prepare for the catastrophe.

"While a nuclear detonation is unlikely, it would have devastating results and there would be limited time to take critical protection steps," according to the CDC website.

"Despite the fear surrounding such an event, planning and preparation can lessen deaths and illness. For instance, most people don't realize that sheltering in place for at least 24 hours is crucial to saving lives and reducing exposure to radiation," the CDC said.

Among the presenters for the CDC's monthly webcast next week are radiation experts, emergency response officials, and Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer Dan Sosin.

Fears of a nuclear war have intensified as President Trump continues to trade barbs with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.

After Kim declared he could launch a nuclear warhead with the help of a button on his desk, Trump responded on Tuesday by tweeting, "I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

While officials stress an attack remains unlikely, Hawaii's emergency management authorities have released guidelines on what to do, while a monthly statewide siren test was resurrected on Dec. 1.